Just as we all experience different phases or chapters in our lives, Chaplains too are constantly facing different seasons in their Military ministry. Servicemen and women regularly experience changing times of war and peace, and joys and tribulations. As such, their Chaplains have to respond accordingly.
As Chaplains provide spiritual leadership for Service members and carry them through trials, they too carry the emotional burdens that they are trying to resolve. In the same breath, it’s easy to forget they need support and spiritual health monitoring through the ups and downs.
In this article, we will be looking at Bible verses on spiritual health for these men and women of faith to meditate and rely on through the good times and the bad; reminding us all that with God, we never have to go it alone in any season. As the Word of God says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
Times of Peace
Sometimes we forget in the Military profession that there are in fact times of peace in-between times of battle. Peacetime offers a great opportunity for Chaplains to focus on their own mental and physical health, rejuvenating the Lord’s “temple” as they prepare for other seasons to come.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (ESV)
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” John 14:27a (ESV)
Times of War
There is no time when we need to feel God’s love that’s more crucial than in times of war. Chaplains share the emotional burden that Service members endure as they try to see them through. Here are some verses of hope and encouragement to show us God’s light in times of great darkness:
“Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15b (ESV)
“Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” Micah 7:8 (ESV)
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (ESV)
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)
Everything in Between
For a list of verses that tackles many of the struggles that life throws at each and every one of us, consider this list—inspired by the study topics of our God Understands course, these are common challenges for Service members and the Chaplains that serve them alike:
Despair and Hopelessness:
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17 (ESV)
Fear of Death:
“Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives in me shall never die.” John 11:25b-26 (ESV)
Anger:
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
Life is Meaningless:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 (ESV)
Life is Unfair:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:19 (ESV)
Guilt:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Sadness and Grief:
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
Doubts:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)
Needless to say, these verses only scratch the surface of what the Bible says about spiritual health. For a deeper study on these spiritual health bible study topics, we created our God Understands program to offer hope and healing for Military service members in these areas.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy for Chaplains to struggle with feelings of isolation and pressure while they are constantly serving those who need them most, and it can often be difficult to handle those emotions. Fortunately, God is always with them and His Word offers the support and encouragement they need—at the perfect moment. Bible verses on spiritual health are ever-present and available at our fingertips to see us through every chapter that we face.
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
